Changing Engiine from Gas to Diesel

[Fanny]

Hey guys.

As some of you may know, I’ve got an old 1990 Chevy Suburban with a quarter of a million miles on it that farts flames as I drive it down the highway.
I’d figure that buying a new engine or rebuilding the existing would be my only options if I want to keep driving the old thing. I’m looking for alternatives, seeing as how gas is only getting more expansive and diesel is a more efficient option. So here it is: Can I replace the old gas engine with a diesel one?

Topic

[Roy French]

If you have a doner vehicle and some fabrication skills it could definitely be done. I don’t know if I would go to the trouble. Diesel is more expensive, and if you don’t need the extra torque it may not be worth it.

[Bill]

You might be further ahead finding out why it farts flames.

[Matt Brandsema]

If you have enough time and money, anything can be done. However, I believe this would be WAY more trouble than it is worth, for a couple of reasons.

1. Coming up with a way to mount the engine in the vehicle
2. Diesel engines produce may more torque than gasoline engines, and have more heavy duty transmissions. You would either need to also get the corresponding transmission for the engine, or somehow find a way to mount your old transmission.
3. Even though it is a 1990, it still has an ECU that is programmed for the engine it is in. Diesels are different than gasoline engines and have different components that need to be controlled (such as when to turn on the glow plugs). You would probably need to obtain the ECU for the engine you purchase.

So yes, it could be done, but it will be a LOT of work, frustration and money. In my opinion, it would be much easier just to get a new vehicle. BUT, I know what it is like to be attached to the vehicle you have owned for so long 🙂

[Author]

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